Rob Luft is a rising star - an award-winning 25-year-old jazz guitarist from London whose virtuosity has been compared to that of legends John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia and Kurt Rosenwinkel.
A superstar in the making – Rob Luft isa virtuoso, a band-leader, a composer of vibrant, original music and a captivating communicator.
Rob Luft is undeniably one of the most exciting jazz guitarists in Europe of his generation. Hailing from London, this award-winning virtuoso has garnered comparisons to legends such as John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia, and Kurt Rosenwinkel.
Rob Luft is a true rising star, possessing a rare combination of talent as a guitarist, band-leader, composer, and captivating communicator. His debut album, “Riser,” released in 2017, made an enormous impact on the domestic and European jazz scenes. Winning the prestigious Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize propelled Luft’s career, and at just 29 years old, he presented a collection of originals showcasing a remarkable instrumental sound and compositional voice that reflected his individuality. His camaraderie with bandmates and their exceptional interplay added depth to the album. Luft’s joy in music-making, humility, and ability to connect with other musicians quickly made him one of the most sought-after instrumentalists to emerge from the UK in recent years. With his second album, “Life Is The Dancer,” he continued to enchant audiences with his warm and joyous sound.
Now, the highly anticipated third album, “Dahab Days,” showcases Rob Luft’s continuous artistic growth and musical exploration. Released on Edition Records in October 2023, the album marks another significant milestone in his career. Luft’s selection as a BBC New Generation Artist and his collaborations with Elina Duni have further solidified his reputation and expanded his reach throughout Europe.
“Dahab Days” reveals Luft’s willingness to push boundaries and expand his sonic palette. The inclusion of a string quartet adds richness to his already captivating sound, while his talented band members play an integral role in creating a mesmerizing musical experience. Drawing inspiration from his time in Egypt’s Dahab region during the pandemic, Luft infuses the album with a unique ambiance that permeates his compositions.
The exceptional lineup on “Dahab Days” features Rob Luft on electric and acoustic guitars and kalimba, accompanied by Joe Wright on tenor saxophone, Joe Webb on piano and Hammond organ, Tom McCredie on bass guitar, and Corrie Dick on drum kit and percussion. Additionally, guest performances by Alice Zawadzki on vocals and violin, Byron Wallen on trumpet, and Steve Buckley on alto saxophone and penny whistle add further dimensions to the album’s sonic landscape.
Rob Luft’s journey as a jazz guitarist has been nothing short of remarkable. Praised by The Times for his performances with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, he quickly gained recognition as a musician destined for greatness. His accolades include the prestigious 2016 Kenny Wheeler Prize from The Royal Academy of Music and 2nd Prize in The 2016 Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by his debut album, and he received nominations for several awards, including “Breakthrough Act” in the 2018 Jazz FM Awards and “Instrumentalist of the Year” in both the 2018 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and the 2019 Jazz FM Awards.
With his unmatched talent, artistic growth, and the release of his highly anticipated album “Dahab Days,” Rob Luft continues to make waves in the jazz world, solidifying his position as one of the most exciting and accomplished jazz guitarists in Europe today.
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